Malay-Sikh community: a tale of triumph over hardships

Kuala Lumpur, July 19 (ANI): The inspiring tale of Malay Sikh community, which gave its blood, sweat and tears to carve a niche in Malaysia, has been narrated in Darshan Singh Gill's book, 'Sikh Community of Malaysia.'

His book traces roots of two-year-old, Jaevina Kaur, whose great grandfather Boor Singh Gill came to Malaysia from his native village in Punjab in 1911.

He started a cattle farm in Menglembu, Perak, with a few cows. Soon he brought his sons, Ujagar Singh, who became granthi (priests).

Today, Darshan Singh (fourth generation), Amarjit Singh (fifth generation) and Jaevina Kaur are the standard bearers of the proud Sikh tradition that Boor Singh brought to the FMS.

Their story is not unlike that of thousands of Sikh families from Punjab who came to the FMS, and later Malaya, to find their "pot of gold" in various professions.

They came and stayed, infusing richness to the culture of the nation, which they grew to call home.

To document history of Malaysian Sikhs community, lawyer, community organiser and raconteur Darshan Singh spent more than two years.

The 266-page hardcover book is a veritable cornucopia of information about Sikhs from the Malaysia-Thai border to Johor Baru.

Divided into 10 chapters, the "golden treasury" delves into the varied history of the Sikhs from their origins, belief, identity and the Gurdwara (temple) to their culture, traditions, festivals and celebrations.

Along the way, he researched Sikh organisations, their role in public education and sports besides highlighting public recognition given to Sikhs in Malaysia through awards and honours.

Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak had nothing but praise for the book in his foreword: "They form an integral part of our colourful social fabric." (ANI)